Interesting Hiking Points Near TFC
Toccoa, GA is at an interesting intersection between many well-known rivers and the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Some of my personal favorite waterfalls are within a two-hour drive from Toccoa Falls College and are completely worth the trip.
Whitewater Falls
If you are looking for a magnificent waterfall with a very short hike, go to Whitewater Falls in Cashiers, NC. This is about a two-hour drive from TFC. There are a few different trails surrounding this waterfall, but to get to the main overlooks, the trip is 1-mile including a few stairs. Even from a distance, the grandeur of this waterfall is hard to describe. This is a must-see and is doable for any skill level. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/whitewater-falls-to-whitewater-river-trail?u=i
Triple Falls
If you are looking to see several waterfalls on one trip, go to Triple Falls in Penrose, NC. This is about a two-hour drive from TFC, and portions of the first Hunger Games movie were filmed at this location. This trail is 2.5 miles, but doable for everyone and worth the hike. It features a multitude of overlooks and one waterfall that has three separate falls contained in one, hence the name Triple Falls. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/triple-falls-trail?u=i
Hooker Falls
Another waterfall, Hooker Falls, has its trail head in the same parking lot as Triple Falls. The Hooker Falls trail is about 2 miles long and includes a large swimming hole at the base. This means you have the chance to see four different waterfalls in one stop. Parking is limited, and it does get crowded, so make your stop early at this one!
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/hooker-falls-trail?u=i
Looking Glass Falls & Moore Cove Falls
Another popular spot for waterfall viewing is in the North Carolina Pisgah National Forest. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are located on the same road within 10 minutes of one another. Looking Glass Falls can be seen from the road and features a very short walk to the bottom of the overlook. The trail at Moore Cove Falls is an easy hike of 1.5 miles to a small waterfall over a cave you can explore. Both trails are very popular, and parking is on the side of the road, so the earlier you get here, the better!
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/looking-glass-waterfalls?u=i
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/moore-cove-falls-trail?u=i
Riley Moore Falls
A shorter drive to a beautiful waterfall would be to Riley Moore Falls in Sumter, SC. This is about a 40-minute drive with an easy 2-mile hike. The road up to this trail is a little bumpy, so a larger vehicle would be preferable when visiting this location! You will have to park a short distance from the trailhead, but the views are worth it. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-carolina/riley-moore-falls?u=i
Raven Cliff Falls
A little closer to home is Raven Cliff Falls near Helen, GA. This 5-6-mile hike includes a multitude of waterfalls with a more moderate hike. This trail is widely known as one of North Georgia’s best hikes and is frequented by hikers from all over. There is a $5 parking fee. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/raven-cliff-falls-trail?u=i
Anna Ruby Falls
Also near Helen, GA is Anna Ruby Falls. This is a very popular hiking spot for all skill levels and includes multiple observation decks. This is approximately a 1-mile hike and requires a small parking fee based on how many people are in the car. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/anna-ruby-falls-trail?u=i
Dukes Creek
Lastly, another waterfall close by Helen, GA is Dukes Creek falls. This is about a 2-mile hike downhill to two overlooks. This is an easy hike, but also very popular, so parking is limited. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/dukes-creek-trail?u=i